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When buses stop, the Valley’s commerce feels the impact
As you surely know by now, bus drivers for the cities of Phoenix and Tempe went on strike March 10. The private sector contractor, Veolia Transportation, and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1433, met 45 times over 22 months on the Phoenix contract alone before the walkout. Veolia operates transit systems throughout the U.S., has operated bus service in the Valley for the past 35 years an[...]
One more reason to reform all government unions
Responding to a piece containing blatant falsehoods is often difficult – if you rebut each falsehood, you risk legitimizing nonsense. That’s the challenge posed by the opinion piece in the March 16 edition of the Arizona Capitol Times, “Law enforcement not the place for political ideology,” written by Jim Clure, a representative of the government union known as PLEA (Phoenix Law Enforce[...]
Brewer’s state employee personnel reform will benefit all Arizonans
This is Arizona’s centennial year. It’s both a grand accomplishment to celebrate and an occasion that we should mark by making our state government more effective and efficient.
Law enforcement not the place for political ideology
Most people would agree that the world of law enforcement is not the place for strident political agendas. So when an ideological organization whose lobbying activities are being challenged by the secretary of state starts pushing for changes that affect front line police officers, the law enforcement community stands up and takes notice.
Wrongful birth, wrongful life: SB1359 is anti-motherhood
If Karen Santorum — mother of six, wife of GOP presidential contender Rick Santorum — had been subjected to Arizona’s proposed “wrongful birth, wrongful life” legislation back in 1997, she could have very possibly died.
Following your tax dollars
While many Arizonans are enjoying spring break and our beautiful weather, it is an appropriate coincidence that this past week was also designated “Sunshine Week,” a nationwide initiative that draws public attention to the need for increased government transparency and accountability.
Legislation will inject $425 million into economy for growth-stage businesses
During the past few years, Arizona has done more than any state to position itself for strong economic growth once the national economy recovers. In particular, the broad-based tax reforms and new economic development tools contained in last year’s competitiveness package laid a strong foundation on which to grow the state’s economy.
Sen. Barto’s bill says HOA contracts don’t matter
Sen. Nancy Barto’s relentless quest to redefine contractual law escalated to new levels in the Arizona Capitol Times article, “Bill advances targeting HOA authority over roadway restrictions.” In the March 2 article, she attempted to propose a nonsensical argument where she and her friend claim ownership of a vehicle owned by someone else. I can’t follow it. You read it and try to figure i[...]
Energy and Irony: HB2789 will cost Arizona dearly
The Arizona Legislature is considering HB2789, which significantly increases government regulation by requiring every rule the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) makes that affects “public service corporations” (a.k.a. utilities) go before... […]
Child Protective Services is a sacred trust
Child Protective Services (CPS) is one of the most sacred trusts and duties of adult generations to the most vulnerable members of the next generation of children. The Governor’s Task Force on Child Safety has made their recommendations and to almost no one’s surprise, more funding and resources are needed. Now, the governor and the Legislature must fulfill their profound responsibility for ou[...]
Mathis was removed before she could do any more damage to state
When the drafters of Proposition 106 took their idea to the ballot in 2000, they knew they had to address the possibility of the state needing to remove a member of the Independent Redistricting Commission. They wrote that a commission member could be removed by the governor, with the support of two-thirds of the state Senate, for acts considered “gross misconduct” or “substantial neglect of[...]
Surplus? What surplus?
Arizona’s fiscal 2011, which ended June 30, was expected to end with a $332 million shortfall. As it happens, the shortfall was instead around $30 million, mainly due to a big uptick in corporate income tax collections.
